Q2 2010 | OFFICE
ATLANTA
MARKET REPORT
2Q Office Activity Strong in Atlanta
MARKET INDICATORS Q2 2010 VACANCY
NEXT QTR
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NET ABSORPTION CONSTRUCTION
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RENTAL RATE CAP RATES
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Despite a relatively weak first half of the year, Atlanta’s office market finds itself much better positioned at this point in 2010 than at mid-year 2009. Though office vacancy for the region remains in record territory—a byproduct of occupancy losses in 2009 and the recent addition of 3 million square feet to inventory—positive activity has made its way back into the market. Atlanta office posted its strongest quarterly absorption since 2008 in second quarter. Occupancies increased by a total of 177,463 square feet over the past three months. Combined with a revised first quarter, the positive results in second quarter helped bring year-to-date absorption to just over 100,000 square feet; showing not only a stabilized office market, but also the possibility Atlanta will finish the year with more office space filled than vacated. The quarter’s absorption was led by activity in Class B properties. Two of the largest move-ins of second quarter were in Class B space. They include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution relocating from its longtime Downtown offices to 127,823 square feet of sublease space at 223 Perimeter Center in Central Perimeter, and Physician’s Education moving into almost 100,000 square feet at Corporate Spectrum in Northwest Atlanta. Class A properties also showed a number of large move-ins in second quarter, though the positive impact was dampened by the consolidated nature of the moves. It has been over a year and a half since the Atlanta office market experienced positive absorption totaling more than 100,000 square feet in one quarter; and almost three years since back-to-back quarters of increased occupancy took place. Given the momentum in the market and the amount of office space expected to be filled next quarter, consecutive quarters of absorption are a sure bet. Office leasing and tenant demand remain strong in Atlanta. Headquarter relocations, tenant expansions and new industry growth have been the biggest drivers to this year’s positive activity. continued on page 2
ATLANTA OFFICE
NEW SUPPLY, ABSORPTION AND VACANCY RATES
UPDATE Atlanta Rental Rates Overall Market & Class A (per sq. ft.)
25%
10,000,000 $24.00
$24.00
8,000,000
$23.00
$23.00
2,000,000
10%
Market AVG
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
(4,000,000)
5% 0%
Absorption
www.colliers.com/atlanta
2005
2010 2010
2009 2009
2008 2008
2007 2007
Class A
(2,000,000)
2004
0
$17.00
$17.00
2003
$18.00
$18.00
15%
2002
$19.00
$19.00
4,000,000
2001
$20.00
$20.00
Square Feet
$21.00
$21.00
20%
6,000,000
$22.00
$22.00
Deliveries
Vacancy %
The Atlanta office market posted its strongest quarterly absorption in more than a year in second quarter. Year-todate absorption now totals 100,752 SF. Office vacancy, however, still remains close to 20%. No deliveries occurred in the second quarter keeping office inventory at just over 200 million square feet.